The report presents the results of a study into four local authorities in the north of England (Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Oldham and Rochdale) which investigated community cohesion, bearing in mind the disturbances which took place in these areas between different ethnic groups in 2001.

It summarises the literature on the subject and the regulatory framework within which local government operates with regard to race relations. Key socio-economic characteristics are compared, including demographic change, residential segregation and ethnic settlement patterns between the four areas. Policy and practice in relation to local governance and community cohesion in the four areas is considered.

During the summer of 2001 there were serious outbreaks of disorder in a number of towns and cities in the North of England, involving groups of young men from different ethnic backgrounds. This unrest gave rise to a series of inquiries and reports and the introduction of the term ‘community cohesion’ into the public policy debate.

This study aimed to develop an understanding of ‘community cohesion’ and how local authorities and housing associations are developing and implementing policies which might impact on the cohesiveness in their areas.

A literature and document review was undertaken which included key policy documents from the case study areas. Interviews were conducted with senior local authority officers and officers from other agencies such as housing associations.

A number of focus groups were held in the four towns, including some for young people alone, and others with particular ethnic groups and genders. This information was supplemented with quantitative analysis from various sources.

All four towns have a significant minority population of South Asian origin, and that population, with the exception of Blackburn with Darwen, is relatively impoverished. The level of residential segregation in all four towns is high, some if it the result of historical factors, economics and concerns about moving away from support networks.

The study concludes that the attempt to build cohesive communities will not be successful unless the disparities in economic well-being between deprived neighbourhoods and those that are less deprived are addressed.

Developments and policies which were seen to be helpful for community cohesion include:

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

//

01/07/2006

P Ratcliffe (University of Warwick)

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Ethnic minorities